chilli powder: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B1Neutral (common in cooking, recipes, everyday conversation)
Quick answer
What does “chilli powder” mean?
A dried, ground spice made from one or more varieties of chilli peppers.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A dried, ground spice made from one or more varieties of chilli peppers.
A seasoning used to add heat and flavour to dishes; sometimes refers to a blend containing chilli peppers along with other spices like cumin, garlic powder, and oregano.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Spelling: 'chilli' (UK) vs. 'chili' (US) is common, though both spellings may be seen in each region. In US culinary contexts, 'chili powder' often implies a spice blend, while 'cayenne pepper' is used for pure ground chilli.
Connotations
In the UK, it is primarily a specific spice. In the US, it can have stronger associations with Tex-Mex and Southwestern cuisine.
Frequency
High frequency in both varieties, slightly higher in American English due to the popularity of Mexican and Tex-Mex cuisine.
Grammar
How to Use “chilli powder” in a Sentence
Add [chilli powder] to [something][Something] is seasoned with [chilli powder][Something] contains [chilli powder]Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
In the context of food manufacturing, import/export, or retail.
Academic
Rare; potentially in food science, cultural studies, or historical trade contexts.
Everyday
Extremely common in cooking instructions, recipes, and grocery shopping.
Technical
In professional cooking (culinary arts), with specifications on Scoville heat units or blend composition.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “chilli powder”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “chilli powder”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “chilli powder”
- Misspelling: 'chilly powder' (which would mean 'cold powder').
- Using 'chili powder' to mean 'powdered chili con carne' rather than the spice.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Not exactly. Chilli powder can be made from various peppers and is sometimes a blend. Cayenne pepper is a specific type of hot chilli pepper, and its powder is usually hotter and purer.
You can balance the heat by adding dairy (yogurt, cream), acid (lemon juice, vinegar), sweetness (sugar, honey), or more bulk (extra vegetables, beans, or liquid).
Depending on the recipe, you could use paprika plus a pinch of cayenne for heat, or a mix of ground cumin, garlic powder, and oregano if replicating an American-style blend.
Keep it in an airtight container in a cool, dark place, like a cupboard. It will lose its potency and flavour more quickly if exposed to light, heat, or air.
A dried, ground spice made from one or more varieties of chilli peppers.
Chilli powder is usually neutral (common in cooking, recipes, everyday conversation) in register.
Chilli powder: in British English it is pronounced /ˈtʃɪli ˌpaʊdə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈtʃɪli ˌpaʊdər/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[Not commonly used idiomatically]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a CHILLY mountain, but this powder is HOT. 'Chilli' has a double 'l' like 'ill' – too much can make you feel ill from the heat!
Conceptual Metaphor
HEAT IS SPICINESS (The powder 'adds heat' to a dish).
Practice
Quiz
In American English, what is a key difference in the meaning of 'chili powder' compared to British 'chilli powder'?